MOM'S TUESDAY TALE

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXDOG here...

Today I am giving Mom a chance to share something with you all....enjoy!

---xXx---

Dear Friends,

Although Max’s blog is primarily a “DOG-BLOG”, whose purpose is to record his life as well as the lives of the other three pooches in our household, I feel that it is important to describe the environment, culture and people where his story takes shape. For this reason, I am responding to a suggestion from Khyra and am considering a Tuesday slot, called:

"MOM'S TUESDAY TALE"

My idea is to break away slightly, once a week, from the usually Doggie focus and give you a snippet of other things which are important or interesting in our lives. Please tell us how you like this suggestion? I would really appreciate your comments!

----xXx---

MOM'S TUESDAY TALE #1

Some of you might be aware of the fact that much of my childhood was spent on a farm in rural SOUTH AFRICA. Although I have lived in the city for over 30 years, my love for the bush has never dwindled. Here in South Africa, we have a heritage of amazing animals and birds. Each creature brings its special enrichment to our diverse world and, in turn, fuels my own awe of our wonderful creation.

There is a rather special "feathered friend" who resides in the bushveld of SOUTHERN AFRICA. These birds are one of my favourite types and today I'd like to tell you some of their secrets. Their story is one of incredible committment which we, as humans, could learn from. The name of this special friend is:...

Southern Yellowbilled Hornbill (Tocus leucomelas)

(Yes! That is a scorpion in it's beak!)

The hornbill is a medium sized bird which feeds on insects, rodents, fruit and seeds. It's special beauty is demonstrated in the manner in which it goes about nesting and producing chicks.

Here is it's story...

Hornbills, you see, pair up "until death parts them". When it is time to nest, the pair find a hollow tree and there they make their nest with dry grass and leaves. The female then settles into the nest while the male seals up the entrance with clay and sticks. He leaves a small hole through which he can feed her.

Inside the nest the female then plucks herself (to line her nest) and lays her eggs. She stays there throughout the incubation period of 3 weeks. During this time, while she is sitting on her eggs, she relies on the male to feed her. This partnership is precious because without the male she would probably die and she only leaves the nest after the first egg hatches.

I love taking lessons from nature and if you look at the Hornbill's story it is an excellent example of the value of personal sacrifice and committment. Their process of producing chicks relies on a strong partnership - each with specific roles to fulfill the ultimate objective. The sacrifice of the female as she makes herself vulnerable in order to do the best for her chicks will be recognised by mothers everywhere. The tireless role of that male hornbill as he hunts and brings food to his family is quite beautiful.

Some folk might look at this story as one of proposing gender roles. I am NOT saying this at all! My message is one of hope. Many of the answers to lifes deeper questions can be found by looking at the natural environment around us. Whether it is animal behavioural problems or human issues, sometimes the answers are but a glance away!

Have an awesome day and remember to STOP, look around and take in the beauty of the little things that nobody notices.

MAX'S MOM IN SOUTH AFRICA